Ministers have confirmed that they will proceed with measures in the Equality Act which will allow positive action in relation to recruitment and promotion.

It means that when faced with two candidates of equal merit, an employer, if he so wishes, will be able to choose one from a group that is under-represented in the workforce.

For example a Government statement said: “A primary school that has no male teachers could choose to appoint a male candidate who is of equal merit to a female candidate.  This does not mean allowing 'quotas' or giving someone a job just because they are a woman, disabled or from an ethnic minority — positive discrimination remains illegal.”

Meanwhile, the Government has confirmed that employers will not be obliged to publish information about pay rates for men and women. However, organisations employing more than 150 people will be urged to assist tackle the gender pay gap by publishing data voluntarily.

The public sector was asked to make a similar commitment last year.

Please contact us if you would like further information or assistance on these issues.